Apparatus, system and method for heating fluids

ABSTRACT

Apparatus, system and method for heating fluid from a plurality of fluid sources. A heating chamber top portion includes a plurality of fluid inlet tubes configured to pass fluid from the plurality of fluid sources. A heating chamber may be coupled to the heating chamber top portion, the heating chamber collectively receives at least some of the fluid from the plurality of fluid sources. At least one heating element configured within the heating chamber heats the received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources. An agitator mixes the received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources in the heating chamber, wherein the agitator is configured to mix the received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources by rotationally turning within the heating chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. §371(b) ofPCT International Application No. PCT/US2016/016843, filed Feb. 5, 2016,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/112,526filed Feb. 5, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and methodfor heating fluid, such as intravenously (IV) delivered fluids. Morespecifically, the present disclosure is directed to receiving multiplefluid sources, such as multiple intravenous (IV) fluids, and heatingthem collectively in a heating chamber.

BACKGROUND

Many emergency department (ED) patients in the United States are treatedwith intravenous (IV) fluids. These fluids are typically stored at roomtemperature and infused into patients without heating. During infusionof room temperature IV fluids, some patients experience shivering,chills and discomfort due to hypothermic effects of the non-heatedfluid. Recently, heating devices have been developed for heating IVfluids to body temperature (normothermia) prior to infusion, such as toreduce shivering and improve patient comfort in the perioperativeperiod.

Conventional fluid warmers rely on techniques such as dry heat,countercurrent water bath heating, convective air heating,countercurrent metal heating and in-line microwave heating for heatingfluids. While such techniques are suitable for simple fluid heatingapplications, they are not particularly effective at handling andheating multiple IV fluid sources. Preparation of IV fluids can becomplicated, because they may be isotonic, and may combine drugs,nutrients, and/or electrolytes at specific concentrations. Often aneeded solution or a series of solutions of known concentrations arefirst produced by first preparing a single stock solution. Aliquots(predetermined measured volumes) of the stock solution can then bediluted to desired volumes and/or concentrations. However, in manycases, it can be inconvenient to accurately prepare a needed volume of adilute solution. But, as noted above, conventional fluid warmers havenot been effective in mixing IV fluid from multiple sources during theheating process, thus necessitating accurate preparation of a dilutesolution in order enable use of such conventional fluid warmers.

Therefore, the need exists for improved embodiments of IV fluid warmers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly and in illustrative embodiments, an apparatus and system isdisclosed for heating fluid from a plurality of fluid sources,comprising a heating chamber top portion comprising a plurality of fluidinlet tubes configured to pass fluid from the plurality of fluidsources; a heating chamber coupled to the heating chamber top portion,the heating chamber configured to collectively receive at least some ofthe fluid from the plurality of fluid sources; at least one heatingelement configured within the heating chamber for heating the receivedfluid from the plurality of fluid sources; and an agitator for mixingthe received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources in the heatingchamber, wherein the agitator is configured to mix the received fluidfrom the plurality of fluid sources by rotationally turning within theheating chamber. In one non-limiting example, the agitator comprises ahelical-shaped agitator for mixing the received fluid from the pluralityof fluid sources.

In additional illustrative embodiments, a method is disclosed forheating fluid from a plurality of fluid sources, comprising passingfluid from the plurality of fluid sources to a heating chamber topportion comprising a plurality of fluid inlet tubes; collectivelyreceiving at least some of the fluid from the plurality of fluid sourcesin a heating chamber coupled to the heating chamber top portion; heatingthe received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources via at least oneheating element within the heating chamber; and mixing, by an agitator,the received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources in the heatingchamber, wherein the agitator mixes the received fluid from theplurality of fluid sources by rotationally turning within the heatingchamber.

Thus, the disclosed embodiments provide improved embodiments of IV fluidwarmers. These embodiments may provide functional improvement over theknown art, may be smaller and lighter than the known art, and mayprovide other advantageous features that will be made more apparent fromthe Detailed Description, below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which likereferences indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a fluid heating chamber bodyassembly comprising an inlet tube and outlet tube and a helical heatingelement;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of theheating body assembly of FIG. 1 operatively coupled to a heating chambertop comprising a connector array for receiving a plurality of fluidsources;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the fluid heating assembly of FIG. 2 underan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a magnified cutaway perspective view of a front portion ofthe fluid heating chamber body comprising a thermistor probe under anillustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 5 shows a system for sensing and controlling multiple fluid sourcescoupled to a fluid heating assembly under an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentdisclosure have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the embodiments, while eliminating, for thepurpose of clarity, many other elements found in known apparatuses,systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art may thusrecognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or requiredin implementing the disclosure. However, because such elements and stepsare known in the art, and because they consequently do not facilitate abetter understanding of the disclosure, for the sake of brevity adiscussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein.Nevertheless, the disclosure herein is directed to all such elements andsteps, including all variations and modifications to the disclosedelements and methods, known to those skilled in the art. Exemplaryembodiments will now be described more fully with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to enable a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that is, that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied inmany different forms and thus should not be construed to limit the scopeof the disclosure. For example, in some exemplary embodiments,well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-knowntechnologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is thus not intended to be limiting. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as having an order of performance. It is also to beunderstood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”,“connected to,” “coupled to,” or a like term or phrase with respect toanother element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected orcoupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layersmay be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be nointervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe therelationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion(e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directlyadjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another element,component, region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,”and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence ororder unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed asecond element, component, region, layer or section without departingfrom the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

The various exemplary embodiments will be described herein below withreference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description andthe drawings, well-known functions or constructions are not shown ordescribed in detail since they may obscure the invention in unnecessarydetail.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a fluid heating chamber bodyassembly 100 comprising an inlet tube 102 and inlet tube body 104 forreceiving one or more sources of fluid for heating (shown in thedirection of the arrow in FIG. 1). This and other disclosed embodimentsherein for heating fluid may be advantageously deployed in medical orlaboratory settings, by way of non-limiting example. In the non-limitingexample of FIG. 1, inlet tube 102 may be configured with a receivingportion (female connector portion) that allows connectors or couplers,such as a luer cap or other suitable connector, to releasably couple tothe inlet tube 102. Of course, those skilled in the art can appreciatethat other configurations for receiving portion 102 are contemplated inthe present disclosure. For example, inlet tube 102 may be configuredwith a connector or coupler that connects with a receiving end of atube, container and/or device.

In certain embodiments, inlet tube body 104 may be integrated as part ofa heating chamber top portion 106, which may be coupled to heatingchamber body 108. Heating chamber top portion 106 may be integratedtogether with heating chamber body 108, or may be releasably coupledthereto. In certain embodiments, heating chamber body 108 may encloseone or more heating elements (see 208A-208B, FIG. 2) that serve as, orare coupled to, an agitator 110. Temperature reading and/or control maybe provided by circuitry on heating chamber body 108 and readings/inputsmay be provided on face plate 112, which may include one or more LEDs,screens, controls, buttons, switches or the like. Agitator 110 is shownhere as a helical-shaped (or “auger-like”) agitator that may serve toagitate fluids, and particularly multiple fluid sources, entering theheating chamber body 108. Agitator 110 may be manufactured from anyrigid or semi-rigid plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.

In this non-limiting example, agitator 110 is shown as a solid-bodycomponent. This configuration may advantageously serve to mix multiplefluid sources from the inlet tube body 108 before they are received inthe outlet tube body 116, which may connect to a patient or externaldevice via a tube configured to connect with coupler 118. The agitator110 may be configured to rotationally turn within heating chamber body108 from the force of the fluid(s) being pumped into or otherwiseentering heating chamber body 108. In embodiments, the agitator 110 mayrotate or be stationary, and may itself serve, at least in part, as aheating element to heat fluid(s) in chamber body 108.

In one non-limiting example, agitator 110 may be configured to becoupled to a motor (see FIG. 5), or a solenoid, piezo mechanism, etc.,within the heating chamber body 108 to assist in rotation. Such aconfiguration may be advantageous in instances wherein incoming fluidflow from inlet tube body 104 is at a lower or reduced rate. In anothernon-limiting example, the motor may controlled by a controller, such asa processor or microcontroller (see 226, FIG. 2) to ensure that the flowor pressure of the fluid to outlet tube body 116 remains constant and/ordoes not exceed a predetermined amount.

While agitator 110 is shown in the non-limiting example as a solid-bodycomponent, it should be understood by those skilled in the art thatother configurations are contemplated in the present disclosure as well.For example, at least a portion of the surface of agitator 110 may beperforated to allow fluid to more freely mix laterally within heatingchamber body 108. Such perforations may be of any suitable size, shape,and/or pattern to allow greater lateral fluid flow within heatingchamber body 108. In another non-limiting example, multiple slits may beprovided across and/or along the agitator 110 surface to achieve asimilar effect. In a further non-limiting example, at least a portion ofthe agitator 110 surface may be configured as a mesh. By providingadditional lateral fluid flow capability within heating chamber body108, greater lateral fluid flow may be achieved to enhance mixing, whileexcessive fluid pressure buildup resulting from the agitator 110rotation in the heating chamber body may be reduced or minimized.

As mentioned previously, the helical shape of agitator 110 may providean efficient mechanism for mixing fluids within heating chamber body108. However, one skilled in the art should recognize that otheragitator 110 shape configurations are also contemplated by the presentdisclosure. In one non-limiting example, agitator 110 may be configuredwith a central cylindrical or polyhedron-shaped core extending generallyfrom inlet tube body 104 to outlet tube body 116. The core may beconfigured with extenders, such as fins, flaps, or panels of a generallyplanar shape extending perpendicularly from the core. In a non-limitingexample, the extenders may be angled and/or offset obliquely from thesurface of the core to provide a specific agitation effect from therotation of the core within heating chamber. In a non-limiting example,instead of being a generally planar shape, the extenders may be cupped,twisted and/or bent along an axis extending from the core surface (e.g.,propeller-shaped) to achieve a particular hydrodynamic agitation effectwithin heating chamber body 108. In certain embodiments, agitator 110may be a static mixing baffle. Various agitator 110 configurations maybe advantageous for mixing fluids having particular fluid densitiesand/or compositions that may be found in medical and/or industrialapplications.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a multiple-fluid-source heating chamber bodyassembly 200 is shown in an illustrative embodiment, wherein the heatingchamber top portion 206 includes a multiple inlet tube assembly 204 withassociated couplers 202 for receiving a plurality of fluid sourcesconfigured to flow in the direction of the arrow show in FIG. 2. Heatingchamber top portion 206 may be releasably coupled to heating chamberbody 218. One or more ports 204 may serve as an injection port forassembly 200, and/or those skilled in the art will appreciate, in lightof the disclosure, that one or more additional injection ports may beincluded to provide fluid(s) (e.g., IV fluids) for mixing with otherincoming fluids (e.g., IV fluids), either prior to or followingpass-through of fluids through heating chamber 218. As in the example ofFIG. 1, heating chamber top portion 206 may also be integrated withheating chamber body 218.

Heating element contacts 208A-208B may be positioned at distal ends ofheating chamber body 218 to provide heat to the interior of heatingchamber body 218, while agitator 212 may perform similarly to agitator110 discussed above in connection with the example in FIG. 1. In certainnon-limiting embodiments, a single heating contact may be used withinheating chamber body 218. In other non-limiting embodiments, two(208A-208B) or more heating contacts may be used. The contacts may bepositioned within any suitable area of heating chamber body 218, andshould be positioned such as so that they do not interfere with orimpede agitator 110. As mentioned above, the agitator 110 may also beconfigured as a separate heating element as well.

Heating chamber body 210 may further include circuitry 226 to controlheating element contacts 208A-208B and/or process feedback data from oneor more sensors, such as thermistor 220, which may be encased in athermistor bulb or probe 222 that extends into heating chamber body 210.In certain illustrative embodiments, optical sensing may be utilized aswell. A more detailed discussion of the thermistor and heating contactassembly is provided below in connection with FIG. 4.

Circuitry 226 may include a processing apparatus including a processor,memory and other suitable circuitry for providing control and/or datasignals via electrical and/or data lines, including networked datalines. In one non-limiting example, circuitry may include a motorcontroller for controlling rotation of agitator 212. In a non-limitingexample, circuitry 226 may provide communications via any suitable wiredcommunication protocol, including, but not limited to, RS-232, SMBus,I2C, USB, IEEE-1394 and the like. The communications circuitry may alsoprovide wireless communications to communicate with external devices viaany suitable wireless protocol including, but not limited to, WiFi,Bluetooth, or any other suitable wireless protocol known in the art. Asdiscussed above in connection with FIG. 1, inputs to circuitry 226 maybe provided via buttons, touch pads, or other suitable mechanisms viaface plate 210. Furthermore, heating chamber characteristic data (e.g.,temperature, flow, pressure, etc.) may be processed by circuitry 226 anddisplayed on a display of face plate 210 and/or communicated externally.As further illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the temperature maybe provided on the display of face plate 210, either as a separatedigital readout, such as the illustrated LED digital readout of FIG. 3,distinct from the LED/screen status display(s) discussed herein, or inconjunction with the status, etc., on the LED/screen status displaysdiscussed herein.

In certain embodiments, power for circuitry 226 may be provided by apower source (e.g., 12 VDC converted AC power) via power cord 216 whencoupled to power jack 214. In certain embodiments, power may be providedby a battery or battery pack. Heated and mixed fluid may be directed tooutlet tube body 224 to a recipient destination (e.g., patient,secondary device). Outlet tube body 224 may couple to additional tubingvia coupler 226.

An embodiment of an assembled multiple-fluid-source heating chamber bodyassembly 300 is shown in FIG. 3. Multiple fluid source lines may becoupled to assembly 300 via couplers 202, where they flow in thedirection of the arrow through each respective inlet tube 204 andcollectively through inlet tube 206 to heating chamber body 218, whichheats and mixes the fluids in any manner described herein and forces theheated/mixed fluids through outlet tube 224. In the illustrated example,a current temperature may be displayed via LED readout.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a non-limiting example is shown illustrating aconfiguration for a thermistor assembly 222 comprising a temperatureprobe (220) positioned within a respective tube 222. In certainembodiments, tube 222 may be manufactured from stainless steel that ispress fit into the housing (218). In certain embodiments, tube 222 maybe manufactured from other suitable materials such as metals orplastics. In certain embodiments, the temperature probe may be athermistor or a resistance temperature detector (RTD). Assuming, as afirst order approximation that the relationship between resistance andtemperature is linear, then temperature may be determined by a change inresistance (ΔR) that is determined by ΔR=kΔT, where ΔT is a change intemperature and k is the temperature coefficient of resistance. k may beset to positive so that the resistance increases with increasingtemperature (positive temperature coefficient thermistor, or posistor),or k may be set to negative so that the resistance decreases withincreasing temperature, (negative temperature coefficient thermistor).In certain embodiments, thermistor may be configured using third-orderapproximation of temperature sensing using a Steinhart-Hart approach,which may be expressed by 1/T=A+B ln(R)+C (ln(R))³, where T is thetemperature, R is the resistance at T, and A, B, C are Steinhart-Hartcoefficients, which vary depending on the type and model of thermistorand the temperature range of interest. Of course, other suitabletemperature sensors and techniques, such as silicon bandgap temperaturesensors, may be used.

Thermistor assembly 222 may be coupled to contact pads 402, which may beconfigured to run electrical and/or data signals to and from thermistorassembly 222 using signal lines 404. Control signals and data may betransmitted by circuitry 226 to thermistor assembly 222 via signal lines404. Similarly, temperature readings and related data from thermistorassembly 222 may be transmitted to circuitry 226 via signal lines 404.An illustrative configuration for heating element contact 208B is shownin FIG. 4, where signal line 408 provides power for heating contact208B.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment for a fluid heating system 500 isshown. In certain embodiments, multiple fluid sources 502 may besupported or provided, which may include IV bags or other fluidcontainers. One or more fluid sensors 506 may be provided fordetermining fluid amounts/weights. In certain embodiments, fluid sensors506 may include a point level liquid detector, such as magnetic and/ormechanical float, pneumatic, or conductive sensors. In certainembodiments, fluid sensors 506 may include sensors for both point leveldetection or continuous monitoring, such as ultrasonic, capacitive,optical and/or microwave sensors. In certain embodiments, sensors 506may include continuous level measurement sensors, such asmagnetostrictive, resistive chain, magnetoresistive, hydrostaticpressure, air bubbler and gamma ray sensors.

Fluid sensors 506 may communicate with fluid control module 506, whichin turn may control the flow of fluid sources 502 via pumps 504 based atleast in part on the signals provided from fluid sensors 506. In certainembodiments, one or more external temperature sensors 508 may beprovided to determine an incoming temperature of one or more fluid linesentering fluid warmer 510, which may be configured as the warmerdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 2-3. Such a configuration maybe used to determine temperature deltas (i.e., difference betweenincoming fluid temperature versus required fluid temperature) and fordetermining levels of preheating in warmer 510 that may be required. Forexample, an external temperature sensor 508 may sense that one or moreincoming fluids are in a cooled (e.g., refrigerated) state. Bycommunicating (e.g., via communications 514) the cooled temperaturemeasurement to processor 516, the warmer 510 may initially increase aheating temperature of any of heating elements (208A-208B; 212) tocompensate for the incoming cooled fluid. Similarly, if externaltemperature sensor 508 senses that one or more incoming fluids arealready in a warmed state, the warmer 510 may minimize the heatingtemperature of any of the heating elements.

Fluid warmer 510 receives the plurality of incoming fluid sources from502, wherein an agitator and heating element(s) mix and heat the fluids.In certain embodiments, a fluid warmer temperature sensor 512 (e.g.,thermistor 220) senses the internal chamber temperature of warmer andmay communicate with processor 516 to monitor, control and/or adjustheating levels. Fluid warmer 510 may also receive data and/or controlsignals via communications 514 (which, for example, may be a part ofcircuitry 226) for maintaining a desired temperature,activating/deactivating heating elements, controlling heating elementsand/or controlling rotation and/or heating of agitator 212.

In certain embodiments, warmer 510 may also include a flow detector 520and/or air detector 522. Flow detector 520 may be configured to detectincoming and/or outgoing flow rates to ensure that proper fluid pressureis provided at an outlet tube of warmer 510. As mentioned above, a motor518 may be provided to control rotation of an agitator and therebyaffect outgoing fluid flow. Air detector 522 may be configured to sensethe existence of air bubbles within the fluid chamber of warmer 510. Incertain embodiments, air detector 522 may be configured to provide awarning signal to processor 516 to indicate the presence of air, whichmay be harmful to a patient when warmer 510 is utilized for medicalpurposes. The air detector 522 warning signal may include a controlsignal to activate a valve or clamp (not shown) to shut off fluid flow.When warmer 510 is utilized for medical applications, it may beadvantageous to provide one or more filters 524 to filter outgoing fluidand remove any potential impurities and/or solids that may have beenpresent within the fluid mixture.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the herein describedsystems and methods may be subject to various modifications andalternative constructions. There is no intention to limit the scope ofthe invention to the specific constructions described herein. Rather,the herein described systems and methods are intended to cover allmodifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling withinthe scope and spirit of the invention and its equivalents.

Moreover, it can be seen that various features may be grouped togetherin a single embodiment during the course of discussion for the purposeof streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that any claimed embodimentsrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for heating fluid from a plurality offluid sources, comprising: a heating chamber top portion comprising aplurality of fluid inlet tubes configured to pass fluid from theplurality of fluid sources; a heating chamber coupled to the heatingchamber top portion, the heating chamber configured to collectivelyreceive at least some of the fluid from the plurality of fluid sources;at least one heating element configured within the heating chamber forheating the received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources; and anagitator for mixing the received fluid from the plurality of fluidsources in the heating chamber, wherein the agitator is configured tomix the received fluid from the plurality of fluid sources byrotationally turning.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the agitatorcomprises a helical-shaped agitator for mixing the received fluid fromthe plurality of fluid sources.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein atleast a portion of the agitator comprises a perforated surface.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor fordetermining a temperature of the received fluid from the plurality offluid sources within the heating chamber.
 5. The system of claim 4,further comprising a processor coupled to the temperature sensor,wherein the processor is configured to provide a control signal tomodify heating power for the at least one heating element based on thedetermined temperature.
 6. The system of claim 4, further comprising adisplay for displaying the temperature determined by the temperaturesensor.
 7. The system of claim 4, further comprising communicationscoupled to the temperature sensor, the communications being configuredto transmit the determined temperature.
 8. The system of claim 1,further comprising a motor for providing rotational force for theagitator to turn within the heating chamber for mixing the receivedfluid from the plurality of fluid sources.
 9. The system of claim 8,further comprising a processor coupled to the motor, wherein theprocessor is configured to provide a signal to modify the rotationalforce provided by the motor.
 10. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more pumps for pumping fluid from the plurality offluid sources to the fluid inlet tubes.
 11. A method for heating fluidfrom a plurality of fluid sources, comprising: passing fluid from theplurality of fluid sources to a heating chamber top portion comprising aplurality of fluid inlet tubes; collectively receiving at least some ofthe fluid from the plurality of fluid sources in a heating chambercoupled to the heating chamber top portion; heating the received fluidfrom the plurality of fluid sources via at least one heating elementwithin the heating chamber; and mixing, by an agitator, the receivedfluid from the plurality of fluid sources in the heating chamber,wherein the agitator mixes the received fluid from the plurality offluid sources by rotationally turning.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein, for the mixing, the agitator comprises a helical-shapedagitator for mixing the received fluid from the plurality of fluidsources.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, for the mixing, at least aportion of the agitator comprises a perforated surface.
 14. The methodof claim 11, further comprising determining, by a temperature sensor, atemperature of the received fluid from the plurality of fluid sourceswithin the heating chamber.
 15. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising providing a control signal by a processor coupled to thetemperature sensor, to modify heating power for the at least one heatingelement based on the determined temperature.
 16. The method of claim 14,further comprising displaying the temperature determined by thetemperature sensor.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprisingtransmitting the determined temperature by communications coupled to thetemperature sensor.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprisingproviding, by a motor, rotational force for the agitator to turn withinthe heating chamber for mixing the received fluid from the plurality offluid sources.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing,by a processor coupled to the motor, a signal to modify the rotationalforce provided by the motor.
 20. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising pumping fluid by one or more pumps from the plurality offluid sources to the fluid inlet tubes.